Drouin skips fitness testing portion of Combine

Friday, 05.31.2013 / 10:51 AM

By Adam Kimelman - NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor / Combing the 2013 NHL Combine

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Combing the 2013 NHL Combine
Drouin skips fitness testing portion of Combine

TORONTO -- Jonathan Drouin is five days removed from winning the Memorial Cup, and after 72 games of hockey this season during the regular season, playoffs and international hockey, he opted Friday to not take part in the fitness testing portion of the NHL Scouting Combine.

Drouin, No. 3 in NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters for the 2013 NHL Draft, went through the medical exams and had his height, weight and body fat measured, but chose to skip the more rigorous testing.

"We've been through a lot of hockey lately," Drouin said. "Just came back [from the Memorial Cup] four days ago. We didn't want to hurt each other. We didn't train a long time, no off-ice stuff. Just a little dangerous to do it."

Drouin said it was a tough decision, but after talking to his agent, he decided it would be for the best.

"For sure it's hard," he said of skipping the testing. "Some guys probably don't like it, but it's hard on yourself. You want to prove you're able to do the stuff."

Though Drouin skipped the testing Friday, he said he would work out for teams individually if they requested he do so between now and the 2013 NHL Draft on June 30.

"I'm going to start my workouts in the next few weeks," he said. "I was not ready for that [Friday], haven't trained in a long time. But for sure during the summer if they want me to work out, I'll work out."

Not taking part in the testing shouldn't hurt Drouin's draft stock too much. His season included being named the MVP of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and best player in the Canadian Hockey League. He also played for Canada at the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championship and had a star turn at the Memorial Cup, including five assists in the championship game.

He said he believes whatever team takes him will get an NHL-ready player.

"For sure I am ready [for the NHL]," he said. "I'm not the 6-2 guy, but I don't get pushed around and I'm pretty solid on my skates. I think I should be ready. Every team asks you, that's one of the first question they bring, 'Are you able to step up next year?' and I answer that with 'Yes.'"

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